I needed to do a short test hike to see if my back was up to the challenge of attempting Mt. Baldy the next day. Sycuan Peak again fit the bill perfectly, close by, short but enough of a challenge.
As I pulled off the road near the trailhead, there was another car parked there. I headed up the old road toward the summit. The rains had made the ruts a little deeper and it was more overgrown as well.
The overcast skies made for a pleasant ascent. As I worked my way up, I wondered when I might encounter those other hikers. Just before the summit, I met the first of the two ladies who had decided to summit it as well. I asked how they picked this hike and they said they read about it in Afoot and Afield in San Diego. At the summit, I found the benchmark but no sign of any register. We chatted a bit, mostly with me recommending various other peaks to try.
They headed back down, and I poked around to see if I might see the register. The sun started to burn through the marine layer, I headed down as well. I would hear the telltale sound of a rattle off in the bushes, but nothing on the trail. I caught the ladies again and continued on.
The back held up fine and I am ready to tackle Mt. Baldy! This peak was #42 of my 100 Peak Challenge Reboot!
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.